Children's Division

Overview

At the Joffrey Academy of Dance, nurturing a love of dance at a young age sparks a true passion for the art form. The Children’s Division builds a strong dance foundation by focusing on correct posture, placement, discipline, coordination, strength, flexibility and musicality.

Free Trial Class Day!

Students ages 8 and up are invited to take a FREE Trial Class in the Youth and Children's Divisions on Saturday, August 29. This is a great opportunity to get placed in the appropriate class level by a teacher, take a class you've always wanted to try, or bring a friend with you to your favorite class! Please fill out a Trial Class Form and bring it with you to the placement class (no payment info necessary).

Placement

The Joffrey Academy Faculty evaluates and places student in the appropriate level based on age and ability. Students are continually evaluated throughout the year and placement is at the discretion of the Joffrey Academy Faculty.

Classes

Classes

Toddler & Me

This movement based class encourages early socialization and creativity, develops physical strength, coordination and spatial awareness, and strengthens familial bonds. Adult participant may be a parent, guardian, grandparent, nanny or sitter and should wear clothing that allows comfortable movement.Students must be age 2 by 8/31/14.

Creative Movement I

Students learn to love dance while developing coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and motor skills. Students must be age 3 by 8/31/14.

Creative Movement II

Students learn to love dance while developing coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and motor skills.Students must be age 4 by 8/31/14.

Pre-Ballet I

Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary and class etiquette, focusing on the development of coordination, strength, flexibility and musicality.Students must be age 5 by 8/31/14.

Pre-Ballet II

Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary and class etiquette, focusing on the development of coordination, strength, flexibility and musicality.Students must be age 6 by 8/31/14.

Ballet I

This level introduces a structured ballet class implementing the study of classical ballet vocabulary. Instruction involves strong concentration on correct body alignment, along with development of attention span, discipline, and musicality.Children's Beginning Jazz is recommended for students in Ballet I.Students must be age 7 by 8/31/14.

Ballet II A & B

Serious study of ballet begins at this level, with two ballet classes per week. Students build upon their training in fundamental concepts of classical ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. This class focuses on the development of body positions and alignment, jumping, introduction of turning and musicality. This level is by placement only, all classes are required.

Children's Beginning Jazz is recommended for students in Ballet II B.Children's Intermediate Jazz is recommended for students in Ballet II A.

New! Children's Hip Hop

A high energy class with fun combinations to upbeat rhythms that will build strength and endurance.

Children's Jazz I (previously Beginning Jazz)

This exciting class is a perfect addition to a Ballet I or Ballet II B student's training. Students learn basic jazz steps, rhythm and fun choreography.

Children's Jazz II (previously Intermediate Jazz)

Jazz II is an excellent addition to a Ballet II A student's training. This class will help to build flexibility and concentration through fun combinations.

Content

At the Joffrey Academy of Dance, nurturing a love of dance at a young age sparks a true passion for the art form. The Children’s Division builds a strong dance foundation by focusing on correct posture, placement, discipline, coordination, strength, flexibility and musicality.

Free Trial Class Day!

Students ages 8 and up are invited to take a FREE Trial Class in the Youth and Children's Divisions on Saturday, August 29. This is a great opportunity to get placed in the appropriate class level by a teacher, take a class you've always wanted to try, or bring a friend with you to your favorite class! Please fill out a Trial Class Form and bring it with you to the placement class (no payment info necessary).

Placement

The Joffrey Academy Faculty evaluates and places student in the appropriate level based on age and ability. Students are continually evaluated throughout the year and placement is at the discretion of the Joffrey Academy Faculty.

Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, is the only training program owned, operated or endorsed by The Joffrey Ballet. The Joffrey Ballet is not affiliated with any other dance training or school program, including the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. The Joffrey Academy, located in the Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower in Chicago, Illinois is the only school that follows the organizational mission, training syllabi, and artistic vision of The Joffrey Ballet. No other program, including those holding the Joffrey name, is sanctioned by The Joffrey Ballet. For more information, please contact Academy Reception at 312.784.4600.